According to the Washington Post, Valentina Vezzali will join the ticket of Italian Premier Mario Monti in the upcoming national elections.
The 38 year old fencer is pregnant with her second child and maintains that she will continue her training to compete in the 2016 Games.
Monti was quoted as saying that “to show Italy can win you need to rely on people that win.”
What this means for Vezzali’s fencing future is uncertain. The elections are scheduled for February 24th – 25th.